Tag: McCann Worldgroup

Singapore – Save Our Street Dogs, an animal welfare organisation, has launched the ‘Yapping Paper,’ a gift wrapper that turns presents into donation points for shelter dogs. 

The campaign, launched in collaboration with McCann Worldgroup Singapore, infuses wrapping paper with media messages. Tapping into the Christmas season as a time of gift-giving, SOSD aims to encourage people to send presents to shelter dogs. 

Through ‘Yapping Paper,’ SOSD is spreading awareness of animal welfare, inspiring people to lend a helping hand in their care.

‘Yapping Paper’ is set to be released this week at Pet Safari stores in Singapore, namely VivoCity, Waterway Point, NEX, and The Star Vista. It will also be available at vet clinics, daycare centres, grooming parlours, pet stores, and through SOSD’s network.

Andy Cheng, management committee member of fundraising at SOSD said, “At SOSD, we believe every dog deserves a second chance. We hope that this creative gift wrap, beautifully designed by the McCann team, can help us to increase awareness of animal welfare in Singapore, and inspire others to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these deserving dogs.”

“Yapping Paper transforms the wasteful medium of gift wrap into something that can do some good in the world, and we are proud that it’s both driving donations for this great cause as well as showcasing real dogs looking for loving homes,” Dan Parmenter, creative director at McCann Worldgroup Singapore, commented.

Singapore – McCann Worldgroup Singapore has announced the appointment of Dan Parmenter, who has joined the team as a creative director on the multinational accounts of Mastercard, Reckitt, Microsoft and Cisco. 

With 18 years’ experience in South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore, Dan will be instrumental in enhancing the agency’s creative vision and driving successful campaigns for clients.

Dan has previously worked with top agencies, including Ogilvy, TBWA, FCB, Y&R and M&C Saatchi and his work has been recognised at international and regional shows including Cannes Lions, Clio, One Show, London International, and The Loerie Awards. Some recent highlights include launching Sprite Zero’s first global campaign.

Speaking on his appointment, Dan said, “I am excited to join McCann Worldgroup Singapore and work alongside such a passionate and talented team. I look forward to contributing to the agency’s growth and pushing the boundaries of creativity to deliver exceptional campaigns.”

He added, “I’ve loved working across APAC, via Hong Kong, over the last few years and it’s exciting to continue that journey in Singapore. The weather is definitely hotter here, but I’m taking that as a sign that the work will be too.”

Meanwhile, Alfred Wee, ECD at McCann Worldgroup Singapore, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Dan to our team. His diverse background and creative energy are a perfect fit to bring a new spark to the team and drive fresh, innovative ideas through his leadership.”

London, United Kingdom – After a competitive pitch organised by AAR, McCann Worldgroup, led by McCann London, has been appointed as the new global agency of record (AOR) for Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the premium Italian lager.

In this role, McCann Worldgroup will develop a long-term global creative platform that will underpin Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s unified brand narrative across various consumer touchpoints and markets, including the UK, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

The remit also encompasses creating a new global positioning and creative platform for the iconic Italian brand. As the lead strategic and creative agency, McCann Worldgroup will manage the brand’s core communication campaigns, including the Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0 x Scuderia Ferrari partnership and the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro experiential platform.

Commenting on the win, Polly McMorrow, CEO of McCann London, shared, “There is a reality that some pitches just mean more. And this one means more. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is an iconic brand, led by a brilliant team of people. The opportunity to work with them to deliver an enduring brand platform that will not only honour the heritage of this brand but also drive its future growth across key markets is a unique one. We can’t wait to get started.”

Javier Campopiano, global CCO of McCann Worldgroup and McCann, added, “To be entrusted with taking this incredible brand to its next phase has energised and inspired our entire team at McCann Worldgroup. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is the brew of choice in Italy, and we’re excited about ensuring that it captures the hearts of beer drinkers around the world.”

Meanwhile, Nathalie Pfaff, chief growth officer at Asahi Europe & International, said, “Creatively and strategically, McCann impressed the team over the course of a rigorous pitch process, and we’re excited to start this next chapter of growth together. I would also like to thank Trouble Maker for their valued creative contribution to the Peroni Nastro Azzurro brand over many years.”

Singapore – McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia has announced the launch of McCann Content Studios, a culture-first editorial and entertainment studio obsessed with creating content, experiences and conversations that move at the speed of social.

Operating out of both Singapore and Bangkok, McCann Content Studios will house the network’s social, editorial and influencer strategy capabilities; social creative ideation and content creation; in-house end-to-end production and post-production, social audience and connection strategies and activation; influencer content co-creation and production; and performance measurement and optimisation. 

It combines full-service social and creator strategy and execution into a single entity, and offers tailored end to end solutions to clients, tapping into rich and nuanced regional knowledge, while accessing the scale and power of the global McCann Content Studio network.

McCann Content Studios comes armed with a variety of both global and local proprietary tools to jack into culture and create content and conversations at scale, including ‘Trend>>Content,’ a trend-based intelligence and ideation strategic operating system that enables the studio to spot and jack social and cultural trends in real-time; ‘Social Voice Mapping,’ an AI-enabled tool to identify an ownable brand voice to guide always-on content optimisation across clients’ social touchpoints, and ‘CreatorIQ,’ an end-to-end influencer and creator management platform for real-time co-creativity at scale currently activated across all IPG agencies.

Since its launch in Singapore, McCann Content Studios has already worked with the Prime Minister’s Office Strategy Group to assure families in Singapore of support through the ‘Made for Families’ initiative. McCann Content Studios has also been awarded the social media management and content creation duties by GovTech, as well as leading social content strategy efforts for Microsoft, and supporting social duties for McCann Worldgroup Singapore’s existing clientele. 

In Thailand, McCann Content Studios was instrumental in the agency’s recent win of L’Oreal Paris across growing digital, social media and influencer capabilities, and has also been deployed on the agency’s Red Bull (TCP) business. 

Leading McCann Content Studios Singapore’s suite of offerings include Fathrul Fazakir, general manager at McCann Worldgroup Singapore and practice lead, McCann Worldgroup Public Sector Practice and will act as client services lead for the studio; as well as Liza Lorenzo who is appointed as social lead for McCann Content Studios. Meanwhile, leading McCann Content Studios Thailand’s suite of offerings include Sukit Kittinuntakul, general manager at McCann Worldgroup Bangkok and Napatrapee Pitaknarongporn, associate social director.

Nicholas Handel, president at McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia and regional managing director at MRM Asia Pacific, said, “In an increasingly complex environment, where brands are looking for ever more sophisticated solutions across influencer, commerce and content, McCann Content Studios represents a consolidated offering that enables us to continue to provide best-in-class services for our clients.”

Shanghai, China – McCann Worldgroup China has announced the appointment of Carter Chow as its new CEO for Greater China. 

A highly regarded leader with over 20 years of experience, Chow is rejoining McCann Worldgroup for his second stint. He previously served as the managing director of McCann Worldgroup’s Shanghai office before advancing to the role of chief marketing officer for McCann Worldgroup Greater China.

Chow returns to McCann Worldgroup after an eight-year absence, during which he held several prominent positions: China CEO of J. Walter Thompson, China CEO and Greater China CEO for Wunderman Thompson, and most recently, president of VML.

The McCann Worldgroup network in Greater China includes McCann, MRM, and CRAFT. Chow’s appointment as CEO for Greater China marks a pivotal moment of growth for the network, underscoring its dedication to fostering creativity and innovation within the Chinese market.

Ghassan Harfouche, president of McCann Worldgroup APMENA, commented, “I am delighted that Carter is returning to us to take up the reins of our Greater China operations. Carter brings a unique blend of leadership, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the Chinese market, along with a proven track record of success. This makes him the ideal candidate to lead our operations in one of the most dynamic and important regions globally.”

Also speaking on his appointment, Carter said, “I’m so pleased to be re-joining such an iconic advertising and marketing brand that’s been so close to my heart. The Chinese market presents immense opportunities, and I am committed to leveraging the strengths of the McCann Worldgroup network and to fostering innovation to enhance our capabilities and offer best-in-class services to our clients.” 

Bangkok, Thailand – Global Thai enterprise TCP Group has teamed up with McCann Worldgroup Thailand to launch its latest campaign for ‘Ready’, an energy drink specifically designed for women. 

Called ‘FUN-ergy’, the new campaign’s focus is to captivate a fresh wave of consumers with the introduction of TCP’s ‘Ready Sparkling’. 

Employing a music-marketing strategy, TCP and McCann Thailand joined forces with the T-Pop girl group Pretzelle for an up-tempo and fun song titled ‘I’m Ready’ to ignite enthusiasm across social media and streaming platforms. Enhancing engagement, the campaign extends its reach through entertaining dance tutorials and an exhilarating TikTok challenge, offering participants the chance to snag exciting prizes.

The online aspect was further energised with vibrant activations. TCP’s ‘Ready’ teamed up with ‘Gravity Motion,’ a group of K-POP enthusiasts, to orchestrate lively flash mobs in Bangkok. Additionally, ‘Ready’ DJ trucks roamed strategic city routes to distribute free product samples to young women. 

Renowned for its iconic ‘Kratingdaeng’ (Red Bull) energy drink, TCP aims to expand the energy drink category’s horizons by creating a lifestyle energy drink crafted specifically for women. 

Sukit Kittinuntakul, general manager from McCann Worldgroup Thailand, said, “Empowering all Thai women through the Ready energy drink is the mission entrusted to us by TCP. This brief fills us with inspiration yet presents a challenge of how to spark conversation around the new product launch—we needed to kick off with a big bang! Music and dance are the right universal passion points for young people and can seamlessly amplify the momentum from online to offline.” 

“McCann Worldgroup Thailand, along with IPG Mediabrands, as TCP’s agency partners, are excited to be part of the product campaign that not only supports groups of young pioneers in T-Pop through collaborations but also drives passions in music and dance among young Thai women at the social level as well,” he added. 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the TCP marketing team said, “‘Ready Sparkling’ Soda Energy Drink, formulated to boost and refresh energy levels, is aimed at expanding the business through the growing segment of a new generation of women within the energy drink category. In collaboration with our agency partners, we are pleased to launch this campaign featuring the ‘Pretzelle’ T-POP girl group. This fresh and exciting campaign is perfectly aligned with the brand promise of ‘Ready’, the energy drink for the new generation, ready to empower every Thai woman.” 

Bangkok, Thailand – L’Oreal Thailand has officially appointed McCann Worldgroup Thailand as its digital full-service agency, fully responsible for the creative, integrated marketing services and social media management of the L’Oreal Paris brand in Thailand.

McCann Worldgroup has an existing 27-year partnership with L’Oreal Groupe in Thailand. This extended agency collaboration with the L’Oreal Paris brand will further deepen the engagement between both parties, centered around growing digital, social media and influencer capabilities.

Timed to launch after the L’Oreal Paris “Worth It” Bangkok event, which took part last week, the first marketing campaign of this new collaboration will see a series of digital and social-first advertising campaigns and content across multiple product launches and pushes, providing robust support for L’Oreal Paris’ transformation to drive the worth of science, entertainment and advocacy.

Sukanya Kiravittaya, brand general manager at L’Oreal Paris for Thailand said, “We have been working with McCann Worldgroup as a business partner from the global level to the local level. With a high understanding of our brand’s image and core values, combined with the outstanding digital talent of McCann Worldgroup, we will make a good progress for the brand together.”

Meanwhile, Sukit Kittinuntakul, general manager at McCann Worldgroup Thailand said, “The extended collaborations will open opportunities in many ways. Not only to expand our contributions in digital, but also by strengthening our long-term partnership between our agency and L’Oreal Paris across services and a cast of talent who the client can trust to deliver the best quality of work.”

In Thailand, L’Oreal Paris aims to be the number one accessible luxury brand and establish its brand purpose ‘We’re worth it’ to drive female empowerment through pioneering beauty products and services. 

India – Air India, India’s global airline, today unveiled ‘Safety Mudras’, a new in-flight safety movie that blends safety instructions with India’s vibrant culture. The video features a dancing style that is on display and provides a particular safety lesson, imparting important knowledge in an interesting and culturally relevant way. 

The video, which was created and produced in partnership with Prasoon Joshi of McCann Worldgroup, Shankar Mahadevan, and Bharatbala, is carefully designed to impart vital safety information, engage passengers, and highlight the richness and diversity of Indian culture.

Indian folk art and classical dance have been used as teaching and narrative tools for ages. The latest in-flight safety film from Air India blends safety instructions with eight different dance forms from throughout the nation: Bharatnatyam, Bihu, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Ghoomar, and Giddha.

A young female passenger is shown in the video being warmly greeted by an Air India cabin staff member, and her attention is brought to the Air India “Vista,” a golden window frame that was revealed last year as a key component of Air India’s new global brand identity. A beautiful cultural display opens up before her as she glances playfully through the ‘Vista’.

The video, which features music by singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, urges viewers to experience a combination of culture and safety. This project, which took place over the course of six months, required the creators to journey throughout India and visually capture the essence of the nation through captivating places.

Modern in-flight entertainment screens on Air India’s recently launched A350 aircraft would be the only place where passengers may first view the safety movie. It will gradually be installed on further Air India planes.

Speaking about the safety video, Prasoon Joshi, chairman of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, CEO & CCO McCann Worldgroup, said, “Tasked with the challenge to create a concept that keeps passengers engaged, embody Indian culture and elevate the Air India brand globally, we went to great lengths to poise the essential and the evocative. Indian classical dance forms have one unique dimension – storytelling. And that is what made me think of this idea of using these Indian dance forms to deliver the safety instructions for air travel.” 

He added, “I am fortunate that this idea found resonance with the fantastic Air India team. And, with a longtime friend and ever brilliant Bharatbala who really made this thought possible. It’s indeed a matter of pride for McCann to work with Air India.” 

Meanwhile, Shankar Mahadevan, singer and music composer, expressed, “I am very happy I got to create the music for the safety instruction video for Air India. With the new chapter of Air India, their safety instruction video too is pathbreaking and very culturally rich. It is a combination of the various dance forms from India – with the dancers demonstrating the safety briefing actions by way of mudras. The music changes as per the dance form as well. Cheers to Air India for creating something that has never been done before, I am very proud to be a part of this.” 

Furthermore, Bharatbala, Indian film director, producer and screenwriter, stated, “Having previously worked on projects that showcase the cultural diversity of India, this nuanced opportunity from Air India, enabled me to present our timeless classical and folk-art forms with a contemporary vision. We are an ancient country but with a modern outlook. And for India’s leading global carrier, Air India, to communicate a safety mandate in this manner brought even more responsibility on me to create a spectacle.” 

“Filming across the beautiful landscapes and monuments, giving each dance form its place of pride, is truly an enriching experience. This journey enables the passengers to experience India visually, musically, and emotionally on a grand canvas. This film will be etched as one of my special creations and I hope will be an added feather in the rich legacy of Air India. Welcome on board!” Bharatbala added. 

Japan – McCann Worldgroup Japan announced the appointment of leadership within its agency brands, McCann and Craft. Takashi Aoki will join McCann Erickson Japan Inc. and Craft Worldwide Inc. as representative director and president, taking effect on October 1, 2023. 

Aoki will be under the direct supervision of Ji Watson, the CEO of McCann Worldgroup Japan. He will collaborate closely with the regional and global network to lead the Japanese teams in delivering impactful solutions to help clients expand their businesses.

Aoki brings over two decades of experience as a strategic thinker in the realms of marketing, branding, and customer experience from his previous position as managing director of Media.Monks Tokyo. Throughout his career, Aoki has contributed to a diverse portfolio of global and domestic brands in industries such as FMCG, luxury, cosmetics, tech platforms, automobiles, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. He has worked for Dentsu Y&R Tokyo, J. Walter Thompson Japan, J. Walter Thompson Shanghai, Publicis Groupe, and Saatchi & Saatchi Tokyo.

Speaking about the appointment, Watson commented, “I am delighted to welcome Takashi Aoki to our management team. His multi-market knowledge and expertise leading cross-functional teams make him uniquely suited for this role. I very much look forward to working closely with him and our existing leadership team, accelerating our transformation to become the irrefutable leader in the business of creativity.” 

Meanwhile, Aoki expressed, “I am very excited to take on this role leading McCann and Craft in Japan. Both agencies have a unique presence in Japan, being part of a global network, as well as having a deep understanding of the Japanese market and also a strong roster of clients. I look forward to continuing to develop creative and effective solutions that address the challenges our clients face in this rapidly changing world, working closely with the teams in Japan as well as the APAC regional and global teams.”

Singapore – Advertising agency McCann Worldgroup has announced the appointment of Shilpa Sinha as the new chief strategy officer of the APAC region. 

In her new role at McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, Sinha will be taking the reins from former CSO Richard McCabe, and will be bringing her two decades of experience in marketing strategy to the table.

Sinha is an experienced global marketer and strategist with a strong track record working in major markets including India, UK, China and Russia, for agencies including Grey, FCB and Ogilvy. She served as Head of Strategy & Transformation for McCann Moscow before the agency closed its operations in Russia in 2022. 

Sinha has also held a unique combination of senior roles in brand management at Unilever and strategic planning leadership at prominent agency networks, bearing experience in building leader and challenger brands across diverse categories, and even winning the first ever Gold Cannes Lion for any IPG agency in Russia.

Ghassan Harfouche, President of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, said, “I’m so excited to have Shilpa move back to our region and know that her global experience and emphasis on effectiveness will add significantly to our client work.”

Meanwhile, Harjot Singh, global CSO of McCann Worldgroup commented, Having worked with Shilpa for six years, I’m thrilled that she is taking the baton. She has a proven track record in key global markets, including regional powerhouses, China and India, and combines creative smarts with rigour and passion. I can’t think of a better person to help our APAC brands earn a meaningful role in people’s lives.”

Speaking on her own promotion, Sinha stated, “After eight years away, I am excited to be back in vibrant Asia, one of the significant growth engines in the dynamically evolving world order. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to move within the McCann Worldgroup family and work on our incredible brands. I’m really looking forward to hitting the ground running.”